China Kicks Off Largest-Ever Military Parade in Beijing

(MENAFN) China launched its largest-ever military parade early Wednesday in Beijing, spotlighting its expanding military power as President Xi Jinping welcomed global leaders including Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

The grand event, broadcast live by media from Tiananmen Square, attracted thousands of spectators and commenced with a series of gun salutes.

Before the parade, Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan personally greeted visiting heads of state, walking alongside Putin, Kim, and others to the official rostrum. Xi delivered a key speech during the celebrations.

Putin arrived in Tianjin on August 31 for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit before traveling to Beijing. Kim made his first appearance at a multilateral event since taking power in 2011, arriving Tuesday aboard his armored train.

The parade featured a display of marching troops, armored vehicles, aerial flyovers, and hundreds of musicians. Twenty-six helicopters flew in tight formation carrying banners proclaiming, "justice will prevail, peace will prevail and people will prevail."

China showcased both its traditional forces and cutting-edge military technology, including unmanned systems, cyber and electronic warfare assets, underwater combat tools, and hypersonic weapons — all domestically developed.

Thousands of soldiers and over 100 aircraft participated, displaying drones, tanks, missiles, fighter jets, and advanced weaponry. Among 45 parade echelons, the Strategic Rocket Force marched, unveiling numerous weapons for the first time publicly.

Notably, the KJ-600 carrier-based early warning aircraft and the two-seat J-20S stealth fighter made their debut. China’s strategic nuclear deterrent and new aerospace, cyberspace, and information support forces were also featured.

The parade commemorates the end of World War II, celebrated in China as the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. The last major parade marking this event was held in 2015.

Other dignitaries present included Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Myanmar junta leader Min Aung Hlaing, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, Mongolian President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko.

British commentator Martin Jacques highlighted the often-overlooked scale of Chinese casualties during World War II, pointing out that this significant loss of life is largely unknown in the West. He stressed that millions died in the conflict, underscoring the immense human cost.

Jacques also emphasized the importance of commemorating the victory, viewing it as a crucial reminder of the fight against fascism and far-right extremism. He noted that remembering this history serves as a warning that such horrors could recur and sends a strong message that the majority of humanity opposes aggression, bullying, and any future military adventurism.

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